Directory Traversal Security Vulnerability
Description
Directory Traversal is a vulnerability which allows attackers to access restricted directories and execute commands outside of the web server's root directory.
Impact
By exploiting directory traversal vulnerabilities, attackers step out of the root directory and access files in other directories, like sensitive system files. As a result, attackers might view restricted files or execute commands, leading to a full compromise of the Web server.
References
Acunetix Directory Traversal Attacks
Security Focus - Penetration Testing for Web Applications (Part Two)
